How to protect your data without leaving it open to hackers? With these tips, you will be able to deal with scams and other computer attacks.
Although the Internet is a public space, the risks are multiple: phishing, intrusion, data theft, software rescue, etc. Unfortunately, there are still some Internet users who underestimate the consequences of such acts or the value of their data.
To prevent hackers from facilitating access to your data, follow these tips:
1. Create a secure password
And, above all, avoid having the same password in all your accounts, messaging.
So forget your birthday, your pet’s name, etc.
Define long passwords (at least 12 characters), mixing upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.
2. Update your operating system
As well as all your security software such as your antivirus, personal firewall, etc..
3. Check the wifi key of your box
By default, ISPs offer a WEP key, but it is the least secure key.
To increase the security of your data, select a WPA 2 key.
To modify your password, access the configuration of your wifi box from your account.
4. Remember to make a backup copy of your data
No one is immune to computer problems, theft, data loss or rescue.
Back up reasonably regularly to an external hard drive or USB memory stick.
5. Beware of hyperlinks
Don’t click too quickly on links, even those that are familiar to you.
Phishing is a typical example of this type of risk,
It consists of deceiving the Internet user by encouraging him to click on malicious links in an email.
A solution: enter the address of the link in the address bar of your browser.
6. Beware of email attachments
Be alert, even if they come from friends or people you trust.
Beware of the following extensions:.pif;.com;.bat;.exe;.vbs;.lnk
7. Avoid using your online administrator account
If hacked, the cyberpirate will have full control of the user machine.
Therefore, to minimize the risks, prefer a user account.
8. Avoid giving out personal information
On the Internet, you are not anonymous, so be careful about distributing private information.
Avoid providing confidential data in forums or on sites that do not offer all the required guarantees.
The advice: consult the protocol https:// at the beginning of the web address and the presence of a small padlock.
It means that your website is secure and certified, otherwise, in case of doubt, it is better to abstain.
9. Use an antivirus and/or firewall
An updated operating system doesn’t mean you’re safe from viruses.
The safer your computer, the more difficult it will be for malicious people to access your data.
The function of the firewall is to limit incoming and outgoing connections.
10. Caution with known shippers
The email address of your contacts can be retrieved to send you emails with malicious links.
Pay particular attention to the way in which they are expressed, to spelling errors.
Be careful, if the email contains an attachment and be careful with the presence of hypertext links.
With these controls, which are very easy to implement, it is possible to protect your data with a minimum of knowledge and avoid many concerns for your privacy.
Have you already implemented these tips? Or will you do it quickly?